The causes of deaths in an industry-dense area: example of Dilovası (Kocaeli)*

doi:10.3906/sag-1007-943 Th e causes of deaths in an industry-dense area: example of Dilovası (Kocaeli)* Onur HAMZAOĞLU, Nilay ETİLER, Cavit Işık YAVUZ, Çiğdem ÇAĞLAYAN Aim: Chemical pollutants caused by the industry have changed both mortality rates and morbidity patterns causing new illnesses over the last few decades. Th is study aimed to determine the causes and characteristics of deaths related to cancer in 2004 in Dilovası, Kocaeli, which was mainly used as a production, storage, and transfer area for a variety of industries, such as chemical, metal and metal products, energy, and machinery. Materials and methods: In this cross-sectional study, death records of 8 diff erent registry/record screenings belonging to 4 public institutions in Dilovası in 2004 were investigated. Th e study population included deaths in 2004 and those whose residencies were in Dilovası. Results: Th irty-three percent of the deaths were caused by cancer, which was diagnosed by a health institution. Th e risk of death due to cancer was 4.4 (CI: 1.05-21.3) times higher for people who have lived in Dilovası for more than 10 years than the ones who lived there for less than 10 years. Th is did not change according to age groups and smoking status. Conclusion: As the proportion of deaths caused by cancer is 3 times higher than both the national and world dat